Published 4:25 pm, Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Although the November election tremendously bolstered Republican ranks state and nationwide, former Secretary of State Roger Williams said Wednesday it's not time to rest just yet.

Speaking at the first Midland County Republican Women's meeting of the year, Williams said while the 2010 election was a victory, the 2012 election is even more important.

"What a challenging time we live in," Williams said. "The next most important election of our lifetime is 2012. We have only won the first half."

Acknowledging he's early in his race for the 2012 seat presently held by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Williams said he's working to emphasize the need for business-minded leaders, like him, in Washington. Without people who understand the importance of small government and low taxes in allowing companies to thrive, America won't be able to stabilize from its recession, he said.

"This idea of penalizing success and rewarding failure in this administration has got to stop and it's got to stop now," Williams said. "The government still thinks they can get us out of this mess. They're the ones who got us into this mess."

If elected, Williams said he would not support extending unemployment benefits like has been done and instead would decrease the corporate income tax, the personal income tax, the capital gains tax and the payroll tax paid by employers.

Plus, he added, as several clapped, the inheritance tax should be completely nullified.

In doing all of that, business owners would be able to hire more individuals as well as investing in equipment, he said.

"We're sitting on a 9.2 percent unemployment rate and they're bragging about it. Are you kidding me?" Williams said, raising his voice after having already put down the microphone.

If the government got out of the banking industry, health care sector and every other venture that previously was private, Williams said it would be able to decrease its scope and costs to the point these changes could take place.

"We've got people in Washington, D.C. that don't have a clue what we're talking about," Williams said. "I'm worried about people on both sides of the aisle that don't get it."

When it comes to the energy sector, Williams said he thinks entrepreneurs like those in the Permian Basin should be able to go after oil and gas reserves instead of worrying about increased regulation from the federal government.

"While we have these numerous reserves we need to go for it," he said.

The car dealership owner from Weatherford said for him, or any other candidate, to succeed, the Tall City will be key.

"I cannot win this race unless I win Midland County," Williams said.

After welcoming the group on Wednesday, President of the Republican Women Linda Hagler said they're looking to boost their own numbers this year and to be prepared to work hard for the party.

"I'm so excited about this new year," she said. "We had an historic election."